Strategic technology advice that helps startups avoid expensive pitfalls and reach their next milestone, whether that's closing a funding round or hitting revenue goals.
I'm Kirubakaran Athmanathan, and I love solving problems. I've been programming for over three decades, starting with Apple //c. That early passion evolved into 24 years of professional experience building software systems across the full stack.
I've been a true full-stack engineer. From microcontrollers to massively parallel compute clusters, I've worked on all major computing systems. I've led large teams. I've helped startups raise money. I've rescued projects. This breadth of experience means I can help you make the right technical decisions at every level of your architecture.
Beyond helping startups, I'm the founder of histre, a knowledge management platform that brings powerful tools to everyone, not just the tech-elite. I understand what it takes to build, ship, and scale products in the real world.
Based in San Francisco's Mission District, I work with Bay Area startups navigating the unique challenges of the SF tech ecosystem. Whether you're preparing for Series A, scaling to meet demand, or building your first technical team, I bring the strategic perspective and hands-on expertise to get you there.
Trusted by leading tech companies
Strategic technology leadership, on-demand
Define your technology roadmap, architecture decisions, and long-term technical vision aligned with business goals.
Hire, mentor, and structure engineering teams. Establish processes that scale with your growth.
Guide product architecture, technical feasibility, development, and delivery. Bridge the gap between business and engineering.
Comprehensive technical assessments for investors and acquirers. Risk analysis and recommendations.
Implement best practices, DevOps, CI/CD, and infrastructure. Build reliable, scalable systems.
Strategic counsel for technical founders on product, team, and technology decisions.
Experience and expertise when you need it most
Get senior-level technical leadership without the full-time executive salary and equity.
Start solving problems from day one with no lengthy onboarding or ramp-up time.
Scale involvement up or down based on your needs and stage of growth.
Three decades of engineering experience across all major computing systems and platforms.
Unbiased advice focused on what's best for your company, not personal career interests.
Access to a network of SF-based engineers, designers, and technology leaders.
Let's discuss how fractional CTO services can help your company succeed.
Book a 30-minute intro call to discuss your project and how I can help.
